Policies & Bus Etiquette

These policies and procedures are adopted in order to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of policies and procedures governing the operation of the NRTA shuttle system. These policies and procedures are intended to apply to the conduct of the members of the general public who utilize NRTA transit services. The NRTA reserves the right to amend these policies and procedures at any time as deemed appropriate and to ensure a shuttle system which meets the highest standards of quality and professionalism and makes the passenger’s experience as pleasant and accommodating as reasonably possible.

The following policies and procedures shall apply to the conduct of passengers utilizing the NRTA’s transit system.

Fares – Passengers will only be permitted aboard NRTA vehicles by paying a fare or using a valid pass (exempt from this are children under 6). Passengers showing expired or invalid passes will not be permitted aboard NRTA vehicles. Misuse of passes will result in confiscation by the driver and revoked by the NRTA.

Attire – Passengers shall be required to wear appropriate clothing, including shirts and footwear on the NRTA buses. Wet bathing suits and/or towels are not permitted on the seats.

Smoking – No smoking and NO Vaping shall be permitted by any passenger aboard any of the NRTA’s vehicles.

Food/Beverages – Passengers shall not consume any food aboard NRTA vehicles. Non-alcoholic beverages may be carried aboard the NRTA vehicles in spill proof containers, including spill proof coffee mugs. Passengers aboard NRTA vehicles shall not consume beverages or chew gum or tobacco products aboard NRTA vehicles.

Pets – Pets are permitted aboard NRTA vehicles, provided they are leashed or in a cage or animal carry case and under the control of the passenger. Animals are not permitted on seats. The NRTA and its drivers reserve the right to prohibit animals which are deemed to be a nuisance due to barking, have an unkempt or unclean appearance; exhibit aggressiveness to passengers; or if such animals, due to size, restrict the capacity of the bus, or may hamper the safety of passengers. In cases when another passenger is allergic to animals, the passenger traveling with the animal will be asked to wait for the next bus.

Service Animals – Trained service animals are permitted to accompany individuals with disabilities and must be under the control of the passenger.

Rollerblades – No passengers are permitted to board NRTA vehicles wearing rollerblades.

Behavior –Refusal of service may occur only in situations where a rider engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct; or represents in a direct threat to the health and safety of others.  The NRTA shall not refuse to provide service to an individual with disabilities solely because the individual’s disability results in in voluntary behavior that may offend, annoy or inconvenience others.  T

Injuries: All injuries must be immediately reported to the driver or manager on duty and should be reported to the NRTA within 24 hours of occurrence. Names, address and telephone numbers of other passengers or witnesses must be provided to the NRTA. Unreported injuries sustained while traveling on NRTA vehicles may not be acknowledged at later dates. NRTA is not responsible for injuries, which result from the unsafe acts of passengers. Passengers should remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

Per Section 37.165 (c) (3) of the DOT’s ADA Regulations – All wheelchairs and occupants can be transported if the lift, vehicle, and driver can physically accommodate them, unless doing so is inconsistent with legitimate safety requirements.

The NRTA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property or for injuries that result from a passengers unsafe actions or failure to follow the policies and procedures aboard an NRTA vehicle.

The NRTA reserves the right to modify or amend these policies and procedures from time to time, as deemed appropriate.

These policies and procedures were approved by the NRTA Advisory Board on June 1, 1996, revised September 30, 1998 and revised January 23, 2002.